Serpentine robotic crawler
A serpentine robotic crawler capable of multiple movement moves is disclosed. The serpentine robotic crawler includes a plurality of frame units, coupled together by at least one actuated linkage. Each frame unit includes a continuous track, enabling forward movement of the serpentine robotic crawler. The at least one actuated linkage has at least 7 degrees of movement freedom, enabling the serpentine robotic crawler to adopt a variety of poses.
Latest Raytheon Company Patents:
- Monitoring mirror reflectance using solar illumination
- Secure data deletion and sanitization in distributed file systems
- Bias field control of total-field optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) for improved detection
- Collaborative 3D mapping and surface registration
- Inactivation of aerosolized microorganisms using directed energy
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/985,323, filed Nov. 13, 2007, and entitled “Serpentine Robotic Crawler”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/858,917, filed Nov. 13, 2006, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to small, unmanned ground robotic vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a serpentine robotic crawler having multiple tracked frame units interconnected through a high-degree of freedom actuated linkage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ARTRobotics is an active area of research, and many different types of robotic vehicles have been developed for various tasks. For example, unmanned aerial vehicles have been quite successful in military aerial reconnaissance. Less success has been achieved with unmanned ground vehicles, however, in part because the ground environment is significantly more difficult to traverse than the airborne environment.
Unmanned ground vehicles face many challenges when attempting mobility. Terrain can vary widely, including for example, loose and shifting materials, obstacles, vegetation, limited width or height openings, steps, and the like. A vehicle optimized for operation in one environment may perform poorly in other environments.
There are also tradeoffs associated with the size of vehicle. Large vehicles can handle some obstacles better, including for example steps, drops, gaps, and the like. On the other hand, large vehicles cannot easily negotiate narrow passages or crawl inside pipes, and are more easily deterred by vegetation. Large vehicles also tend to be more readily spotted, and thus are less desirable for discrete surveillance applications. In contrast, while small vehicles are more discrete, surmounting obstacles becomes a greater navigational challenge.
A variety of mobility configurations have been adapted to traverse difficult terrain. These options include legs, wheels, and tracks. Legged robots can be agile, but use complex control mechanisms to move and achieve stability. Wheeled vehicles can provide high mobility, but provide limited traction and require width in order to achieve stability.
Tracked vehicles are known and have traditionally been configured in a tank-like configuration. While tracked vehicles can provide a high degree of stability in some environments, tracked vehicles typically provide limited maneuverability with very small vehicles. Furthermore, known tracked vehicles are unable to accommodate a wide variety of obstacles, particularly when the terrain is narrow and the paths are tortuous and winding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention includes a serpentine robotic crawler which helps to overcome problems and deficiencies inherent in the prior art. In one embodiment, the serpentine robotic crawler includes a first frame and a second frame, each frame having a continuous track rotatably supported therein. The first and second frame are coupled by an actuated linkage arm. The linkage arm has a pair of wrist-like actuated linkage at each end, coupled to respective frames, and an elbow-like actuated joint between the wrist-like actuated linkages.
The present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings merely depict exemplary embodiments of the present invention they are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope. It will be readily appreciated that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Nonetheless, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation to describe the features and characteristics of the present invention, to set forth the best mode of operation of the invention, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims.
The following detailed description and exemplary embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the elements and features of the invention are designated by numerals throughout.
With reference to
The wrist-like actuated linkages 22, 24, shown in further detail in
The wrist-like actuated linkages 22, 24 can be configured in various ways. For example, the wrist-like actuated linkage can include a series coupled combination of a yaw bending joint, a pitch bending joint, and a rotational joint, with various arm linkages coupled between the joints and the frame. For example, as shown in
Considering the frames 12, 14 and continuous tracks 16, 18 in further detail, the frame can be configured in various ways so that the continuous track is substantially enclosed so that only a bottom portion 60 is exposed as illustrated in
Referring back to
A first pose will be referred to herein as the “tank” configuration, where the first frame 12 and second frame 14 are positioned side by side as illustrated in
A second pose, referred to herein as the “train” configuration, is where the first frame 12 and second frame 14 are aligned end-to-end as illustrated in
The serpentine robotic crawler can also be configured for climbing the exterior of structure. As illustrated in
The serpentine robotic crawler can also be configured for climbing the interior of a structure.
It may also be possible for the serpentine robotic crawler to climb the interior of a structure 70 by facing exposed portions 72, 74 of the continuous tracks in the same direction, in contact with the same inner surface 80 of the structure, and placing a portion of the actuated linkage in contact with the opposite inner surface 82, as illustrated in
Various articulated movements are also possible for the serpentine robotic crawler. For example,
Other self-righting movement modes are also possible. For example, the serpentine robotic crawler 10 can be placed into an arched configuration by operating the actuated linkage arm 20 (as described further below) so the serpentine robotic crawler is substantially supported by only furthest apart ends of the tracks. This configuration can be unstable, allowing further actuation of the articulated linkage arm to cause the serpentine robotic crawler to tip over.
A serpentine robotic crawler in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is capable of a large number of poses and movement modes not possible with more conventional wheeled or tracked vehicles. Additional poses the serpentine robotic crawler 10 can adopt are illustrated in
Another pose can be referred to as a zag configuration, where the frames are oriented in parallel lines but offset and extending in opposite directions from the actuated linkage arm, as shown in
While the various poses have been described in a static sense, it will be understood that the serpentine robotic crawler can dynamically vary its pose as it is operated. Moreover, modified versions of the above poses may also prove useful, depending on the environment in which the serpentine robotic crawler operates.
As discussed above, various dynamic movement modes are possible. While the foregoing discussion has principle focused on operation of the endless tracks to provide propulsion, it will be appreciated that operation of the actuated linkage can also assist in propulsion. For example, sudden jerky movements of the actuated linkage can help to provide traction or to free the serpentine robotic crawler when entangled. As another example, the spatial orientation of the tracks can be periodically or continuously adjusted by the actuated linkage to conform to a surface being traveled over. For example,
Returning to the discussion of the articulated multi-degree of freedom linkage arm 20, various other configurations are also possible for embodiments of a serpentine robotic crawler. In general, the linkage arm includes at least seven actuated joints providing motion about seven different axes (although some of these axes may be aligned with each other at times). These joints can be uni-axial, bi-axial, or tri-axial joints. The linkage arm can include a series coupled combination of any of the following:
7 uni-axial joints
3 three uni-axial joints and 2 bi-axial joints
1 uni-axial joint and 2 tri-axial joints
2 bi-axial joints and 1 tri-axial joint
For example, the linkage arm can include a series combination of five actuated uni-axial bending joints and two actuated uni-axial rotary joints, wherein the bending joints provide at least two different joint axes. For example, four bending joints can be symmetrically disposed about a fifth bending joint located in the center of the linkage, two bending joints on each side of the center. The rotary joints can also be symmetrically disposed about the center. For example, the rotary joints can be located adjacent to the fifth (centered) bending joint (e.g., as illustrated in
Alternately, bi-axial joints, which provide the same degrees of freedom as two uni-axial joints in series, or tri-axial joints, which provide the same degrees of freedom as three uni-axial joints in series, can also be used. A bi-axial joint can, for example, provide bending in two axes. These axes can, but need not be, orthogonal. A tri-axial joint can, for example, provide bending in two lateral axes and rotation about a third longitudinal axis.
Joints need not be limited to revolute joints which provide bending or rotational movement. Prismatic joints which provide translational movement can also be included. Joints may incorporate both revolute and prismatic features to provide, for example, eccentric motions.
Control of the serpentine robotic vehicle 10 will now be discussed in further detail. As noted above, movement and pose of the serpentine robotic vehicle can be controlled through articulation of the actuated multiple degree of freedom linkage arm 20 and rotation of the continuous tracks 16, 18. Accordingly, as shown in schematic form in
Various implementations of the communications network are possible. For example, various communications protocols are known which allow a large number of nodes to communicate on a limited number of wires, including for example RS-485, RHAMIS, USB, Ethernet, and the like. Alternately, the communications network can include wireless components. For example, the communication network can include a wireless portion providing communication between the serpentine robotic crawler and a control system located remotely from the serpentine robotic crawler.
Various implementations of the control subsystem are possible. For example, in one embodiment, the control system can use a master replica for control of the serpentine robotic crawler. In a master replica control system, a master replica is located remotely from the serpentine robotic crawler. The master replica contains the same joints as the serpentine robotic crawler, and is manually manipulated into the desired poses. Sensors located at the joints sense the position of the joints, and these positions are communicated to the serpentine robotic crawler which actuates its joints to attempt to establish the same pose. Optionally, the joints in the serpentine robotic crawler can include force sensors, torque sensors, or both, allowing the force and/or torque on the joints to be measured. The joint forces and/or torques can optionally be communicated back to the replica master, providing force feedback into the control system. Various force feedback control systems are known which can be applied to embodiments of the present invention.
The control system may be integrated into the serpentine robotic crawler thereby allowing the crawler to operate autonomously. For example, the crawler may operate autonomously for an extended period of time. In an embodiment, the control system can include distributed joint and track controllers which locally control one or more closely associated joints. Distributed joint and track controllers can communicate with a master controller located within the crawler or located externally from the crawler.
In another embodiment, control of the serpentine robotic crawler can include control of a first frame, with other frames slaved to the first frame. For example, an operator can control the orientation and movement of the first frame. The other frames then follow the first frame. One particular control scheme can include automatically steering the other frames in following the first frame so as to minimize forces imposed on the actuated linkage arm.
As another example, control of the serpentine robotic crawler can include use of a joystick. For example, a two-dimensional joystick can be used to control a pose of the robot, for example by controlling motion of the actuated linkage via the joystick. Movement of the two-degrees of motion in the joystick can be translated into complex movements of the multi-degree of freedom actuated linkage via predefined primitives. As a particular example, movement of the joystick to the left or right can arch the serpentine robotic crawler to the left or right, with sustained holding of the joystick moving the serpentine robotic crawler between a tank-like configuration and a snake-like configuration. As another particular example, movement of the joystick to the front or back can arch the serpentine robotic crawler up or down, with sustained holding of the joystick forward or backward placing the serpentine robotic crawler into an inside- or outside-climbing configuration. Of course, a variety of mappings from a joystick to movements can be defined, as will be appreciated. Interface between an operator and the control system can be provided via a menu driven interface operational on a personal computer, laptop, personal data assistant, and the like, as is known.
The control system can also be configured to provide a degree of compliance in the joints. For example, forces applied to the joints by the environment of the flexible robotic crawler can be sensed and communicated to the control system. When certain force thresholds are exceeded, the joints can be allowed to move. For example, joints can include breakaway clutches, implemented either via mechanical systems, electronic systems, or hybrid electro-mechanical systems. Force limit thresholds can be made adjustable to provide variable compliance to the serpentine robotic crawler. For example, high thresholds to provide a stiff posture may prove useful in pushing through certain types of obstructions. Alternately, low thresholds may prove useful in bending around other types of obstructions.
As another example, the control system can be implemented using a processing system. Various movement primitives can be preprogrammed, including for example primitives to assume certain poses (e.g., tank, zag, arched, train, or climbing configurations), and primitives for movement (e.g., forward, backwards). Control can include feedback from joint force sensors and environmental sensors. Hybrid human and automated control can be combined. For example, high-level manual commands/primitives can be implemented using automated low-level feedback loops that execute the commands/primitives. Control function can be divided into subsystems, including for example, pose control, compliance control, movement control, force control, and hybrid combinations thereof.
An alternate configuration of a serpentine robotic crawler is illustrated in
A serpentine robotic crawler can also include various sensors or tools positioned on the actuated multi-degree of freedom linkage arm and or the frame. For example, as illustrated in
Summarizing and reiterating to some extent, serpentine robotic crawlers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can be deployed in a variety of applications and environments. For example, and not by way of limitation, applications can include search and rescue, military operations, and industrial operations. The serpentine robotic crawler can help to avoid the need to expose humans to hazardous environments, such as unstable buildings, military conflict situations, and chemically, biologically, or nuclear contaminated environments. The configurational flexibility of the serpentine robotic crawler provides multiple movement modes. For example, movement in a tank-like configuration can provide high stability. Movement in a snake-like configuration can provide access through narrow passages or pipes. Climbing the outside of structures, e.g., a pole, and climbing the inside of structures, e.g., inside a pipe, are also possible.
The foregoing detailed description describes the invention with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are to be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, and all such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.
More specifically, while illustrative exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described herein, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but includes any and all embodiments having modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the foregoing detailed description. The limitations in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the foregoing detailed description or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. For example, in the present disclosure, the term “preferably” is non-exclusive where it is intended to mean “preferably, but not limited to.” Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given above.
Claims
1. A serpentine robotic crawler comprising:
- a first frame having a first continuous track rotatably supported by the first frame;
- a second frame having a second continuous track rotatably supported by the second frame; and
- a linkage arm coupling the first and second frames together in tandem and being actuated about at least one lateral axis and at least two longitudinal axes, which longitudinal axes are oriented by the actuated bending movement of the linkage arm about the at least one lateral axis.
2. The robotic crawler of claim 1, wherein the linkage arm comprises:
- a first actuated rotary joint operable with the first frame to provide a first longitudinal axis;
- a second actuated rotary joint operable with the second frame to provide a second longitudinal axis;
- an actuated bending joint operable between each of the first and second rotary joints to provide controlled bending about the lateral axis.
3. The robotic crawler of claim 2, wherein the linkage arm further comprises at least one additional actuated bending joint operable with each of the first and second frames, respectively, with each additional bending joint providing controlled bending about an additional lateral axis.
4. The robotic crawler of claim 2, wherein the linkage arm further comprises an additional pair of actuated bending joints positioned between the first and second actuated rotary joints and each of the first and second frames, respectively, with each additional bending joint providing controlled bending about an additional lateral axis.
5. The robotic crawler of claim 4, wherein the lateral axes of each additional pair of actuated bending joints are at substantially right angles to each other.
6. The robotic crawler of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second frames further comprises a drive coupled to the continuous track.
7. The robotic crawler of claim 6, further comprising a control subsystem in communication with each drive and with each rotary and bending joint in the linkage arm and configured to selectively actuate each drive, rotary joint and bending joint to control the pose of robotic crawler.
8. A serpentine robotic crawler comprising:
- at least two frame units each having a continuous track rotatably supported thereon; and
- at least one multi-degree of freedom actuated linkage arm coupled between the frame units, the linkage arm comprising: at least three actuated bending joints, each providing bending about a lateral axis; and at least two actuated rotary joints, each providing rotation about a longitudinal axis, wherein the linkage arm comprises a series-coupled combination of at least five actuated joints.
9. The robotic crawler of claim 8, wherein the linkage arm further comprises at least one additional actuated bending joint operable with each of the frame units, respectively, with each additional bending joint providing controlled bending about an additional lateral axis.
10. A serpentine robotic crawler comprising:
- a first frame having a first continuous track rotatably supported by the first frame;
- a first actuated linkage coupled to the first frame wherein the first actuated linkage provides rotational movement about a longitudinal axis;
- an elbow-like actuated joint coupled to the first actuated linkage wherein the elbow-like actuated joint provides bending movement about a lateral axis;
- a second actuated linkage coupled to the elbow-like actuated joint wherein the second actuated linkage provides rotational movement about a longitudinal axis; and
- a second frame coupled to the second actuated linkage and having a second continuous track rotatably supported by the second frame.
11. The robotic crawler of claim 10, further comprising at least one additional elbow-like actuated joint coupled between each of the first and second actuated linkages and the first and second frames, wherein each additional elbow-like joint provides bending movement about an additional lateral axis.
12. A method of operating a serpentine robotic crawler comprising:
- obtaining a first frame and a second frame, each frame having a drivable continuous track, the first and second frames being coupled together with an actuated multi-degree of freedom linkage arm having a series-coupled combination of actuated joints, the linkage arm comprising: at least two actuated rotary joints, each providing rotation of one of the first and second frames about a longitudinal axis; and at least one actuated bending joint that provides bending about a lateral axis; and
- articulating the actuated multi-degree of freedom linkage to establish a desired pose for the serpentine robotic crawler, wherein the longitudinal axes are oriented by the actuated manipulation of the linkage arm about the lateral axis.
13. The method of claim 12, further providing at least one additional actuated bending joint operable with each of the first and second frames, respectively, with each additional bending joint providing controlled bending about an additional lateral axis.
14. A method of operating a serpentine robotic crawler comprising:
- providing a first frame and a second frame, each frame having a drivable continuous track;
- coupling the first frame to the second frame with an actuated multi-degree of freedom linkage arm that actuates about at least one lateral axis and at least two longitudinal axes, wherein the actuated multi-degree of freedom linkage arm comprises a series-coupled combination of at least seven actuated joints to form the serpentine robotic crawler; and
- articulating the actuated multi-degree of freedom linkage arm to establish a desired pose for the serpentine robotic crawler.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising coordinating drive operation of the drivable continuous tracks with articulation of the actuated multi-degree of freedom linkage arm to further control the pose of the serpentine robotic crawler.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising positioning the first frame and the second frame in a tank-like configuration where the first frame and the second frame are side-by-side and extend in a same direction relative to the actuated multi-degree of freedom linkage arm.
17. The method of claim 15 further comprising positioning the first frame and the second frame in a train-like configuration where the first frame and the second frame are aligned end to end.
18. The method of claim 15 further comprising positioning the first frame and the second frame in a outside-climbing configuration where the first frame and the second frame are oriented with exposed portions of the continuous tracks facing toward each other and in contact with opposite outer surfaces of a structure to be climbed.
19. The method of claim 15 further comprising positioning the first frame and the second frame in an inside-climbing configuration where the first frame and the second frame are oriented with exposed portions of the continuous tracks facing away from each other and in contact with opposite inner surfaces of a structure to be climbed.
20. The method of claim 15 further comprising positioning the first frame and the second frame in a zag configuration where the first frame and the second frame are side-by-side and extend in opposite directions relative to the actuated multi-degree of freedom linkage arm.
1107874 | August 1914 | Appleby |
1112460 | October 1914 | Leavitt |
1515756 | November 1924 | Roy |
1975726 | October 1934 | Martinage |
2025999 | December 1935 | Myers |
2082920 | June 1937 | Aulmont |
2129557 | September 1938 | Beach |
2311475 | February 1943 | Schmeiser |
2312072 | February 1943 | Broadwater |
2329582 | September 1943 | Bishop |
2345763 | April 1944 | Mayne |
2701169 | February 1955 | Cannon |
2850147 | September 1958 | Hill |
2933143 | April 1960 | Robinson |
2967737 | January 1961 | Moore |
3037571 | June 1962 | Zelle |
3060972 | October 1962 | Sheldon |
3166138 | January 1965 | Dunn, Jr. |
3190286 | June 1965 | Stokes |
3215219 | November 1965 | Forsyth et al. |
3223462 | December 1965 | Dalrymple |
3266059 | August 1966 | Stelle |
3284964 | November 1966 | Saito |
3311424 | March 1967 | Taylor |
3362492 | January 1968 | Hansen |
3387896 | June 1968 | Sobota |
3489236 | January 1970 | Goodwin |
3497083 | February 1970 | Anderson |
3565198 | February 1971 | Ames |
3572325 | March 1971 | Bazell |
3609804 | October 1971 | Morrison |
3650343 | March 1972 | Helsell |
3700115 | October 1972 | Johnson |
3707218 | December 1972 | Payne |
3712481 | January 1973 | Harwood |
3715146 | February 1973 | Robertson |
3757635 | September 1973 | Hickerson |
3808078 | April 1974 | Snellman |
3820616 | June 1974 | Juergens |
3841424 | October 1974 | Purcell |
3864983 | February 1975 | Jacobsen |
3933214 | January 20, 1976 | Guibord |
3934664 | January 27, 1976 | Pohjola |
3974907 | August 17, 1976 | Shaw |
4051914 | October 4, 1977 | Pohjola |
4059315 | November 22, 1977 | Jolliffe |
4068905 | January 17, 1978 | Black |
4107948 | August 22, 1978 | Maolaug |
4109971 | August 29, 1978 | Black |
4132279 | January 2, 1979 | Van der Lende |
4218101 | August 19, 1980 | Thompson |
4260053 | April 7, 1981 | Onodera |
4332317 | June 1, 1982 | Bahre |
4332424 | June 1, 1982 | Thompson |
4339031 | July 13, 1982 | Densmore |
4393728 | July 19, 1983 | Larson |
4396233 | August 2, 1983 | Slaght |
4453611 | June 12, 1984 | Stacy, Jr. |
4483407 | November 20, 1984 | Iwamoto et al. |
4489826 | December 25, 1984 | Dubson |
4494417 | January 22, 1985 | Larson |
4551061 | November 5, 1985 | Olenick |
4589460 | May 20, 1986 | Albee |
4621965 | November 11, 1986 | Wilcock |
4636137 | January 13, 1987 | Lemelson |
4646906 | March 3, 1987 | Wilcox, Jr. |
4661039 | April 28, 1987 | Brenhold |
4700693 | October 20, 1987 | Lia |
4706506 | November 17, 1987 | Lestelle |
4712969 | December 15, 1987 | Kimura |
4714125 | December 22, 1987 | Stacy, Jr. |
4727949 | March 1, 1988 | Rea |
4736826 | April 12, 1988 | White et al. |
4752105 | June 21, 1988 | Barnard |
4756662 | July 12, 1988 | Tanie |
4765795 | August 23, 1988 | Rebman |
4784042 | November 15, 1988 | Paynter |
4796607 | January 10, 1989 | Allred, III |
4806066 | February 21, 1989 | Rhodes |
4815319 | March 28, 1989 | Clement |
4815911 | March 28, 1989 | Bengtsson |
4818175 | April 4, 1989 | Kimura |
4828339 | May 9, 1989 | Thomas |
4848179 | July 18, 1989 | Ubhayakar |
4862808 | September 5, 1989 | Hedgcoxe |
4878451 | November 7, 1989 | Siren |
4900218 | February 13, 1990 | Sutherland |
4909341 | March 20, 1990 | Rippingale et al. |
4924153 | May 8, 1990 | Toru et al. |
4932491 | June 12, 1990 | Collins, Jr. |
4932831 | June 12, 1990 | White et al. |
4936639 | June 26, 1990 | Pohjola |
4997790 | March 5, 1991 | Woo |
5018591 | May 28, 1991 | Price |
5021798 | June 4, 1991 | Ubhayakar |
5022812 | June 11, 1991 | Coughlan |
5046914 | September 10, 1991 | Holland et al. |
5080000 | January 14, 1992 | Bubic |
5130631 | July 14, 1992 | Gordon |
5142932 | September 1, 1992 | Moya |
5174168 | December 29, 1992 | Takagi |
5174405 | December 29, 1992 | Carra |
5186526 | February 16, 1993 | Pennington |
5199771 | April 6, 1993 | James |
5205612 | April 27, 1993 | Sugden et al. |
5214858 | June 1, 1993 | Pepper |
5219264 | June 15, 1993 | McClure et al. |
5252870 | October 12, 1993 | Jacobsen |
5297443 | March 29, 1994 | Wentz |
5317952 | June 7, 1994 | Immega |
5337732 | August 16, 1994 | Grundfest |
5350033 | September 27, 1994 | Kraft |
5354124 | October 11, 1994 | James |
5363935 | November 15, 1994 | Schempf et al. |
5386741 | February 7, 1995 | Rennex |
5413454 | May 9, 1995 | Movsesian |
5426336 | June 20, 1995 | Jacobsen |
5428713 | June 27, 1995 | Matsumaru |
5435405 | July 25, 1995 | Schempf et al. |
5440916 | August 15, 1995 | Stone et al. |
5443354 | August 22, 1995 | Stone et al. |
5451135 | September 19, 1995 | Schempf |
5465525 | November 14, 1995 | Mifune |
5466056 | November 14, 1995 | James |
5469756 | November 28, 1995 | Feiten |
5516249 | May 14, 1996 | Brimhall |
5551545 | September 3, 1996 | Gelfman |
5556370 | September 17, 1996 | Maynard |
5562843 | October 8, 1996 | Yasumoto |
5567110 | October 22, 1996 | Sutherland |
5570992 | November 5, 1996 | Lemelson |
5573316 | November 12, 1996 | Wankowski |
5588688 | December 31, 1996 | Jacobsen |
5672044 | September 30, 1997 | Lemelson |
5697285 | December 16, 1997 | Nappi |
5712961 | January 27, 1998 | Matsuo |
5749828 | May 12, 1998 | Solomon |
5770913 | June 23, 1998 | Mizzi |
5816769 | October 6, 1998 | bauer |
5821666 | October 13, 1998 | Matsumoto |
5842381 | December 1, 1998 | Feiten |
RE36025 | January 5, 1999 | Suzuki |
5878783 | March 9, 1999 | Smart |
5888235 | March 30, 1999 | Jacobsen |
5902254 | May 11, 1999 | Magram |
5906591 | May 25, 1999 | Dario |
5984032 | November 16, 1999 | Gremillion |
5996346 | December 7, 1999 | Maynard |
6016385 | January 18, 2000 | Yee |
6030057 | February 29, 2000 | Fikse |
6056237 | May 2, 2000 | Woodland |
6107795 | August 22, 2000 | Smart |
6109705 | August 29, 2000 | Courtemanche |
6113343 | September 5, 2000 | Goldenberg et al. |
6132133 | October 17, 2000 | Muro et al. |
6138604 | October 31, 2000 | Anderson |
6162171 | December 19, 2000 | Ng |
6186604 | February 13, 2001 | Fikse |
6203126 | March 20, 2001 | Harguth |
6260501 | July 17, 2001 | Agnew |
6263989 | July 24, 2001 | Won |
6264293 | July 24, 2001 | Musselman |
6264294 | July 24, 2001 | Musselman et al. |
6281489 | August 28, 2001 | Tubel et al. |
7843431 | November 30, 2010 | Robbins et al. |
6325749 | December 4, 2001 | Inokuchi et al. |
6333631 | December 25, 2001 | Das et al. |
6339993 | January 22, 2002 | Comello |
6380889 | April 30, 2002 | Herrmann et al. |
6394204 | May 28, 2002 | Haringer |
6405798 | June 18, 2002 | Barrett et al. |
6408224 | June 18, 2002 | Okamoto |
6411055 | June 25, 2002 | Fujita |
6422509 | July 23, 2002 | Yim |
6430475 | August 6, 2002 | Okamoto |
6431296 | August 13, 2002 | Won |
6446718 | September 10, 2002 | Barrett et al. |
6450104 | September 17, 2002 | Grant et al. |
6484083 | November 19, 2002 | Hayward |
6488306 | December 3, 2002 | Shirey et al. |
6505896 | January 14, 2003 | Boivin |
6512345 | January 28, 2003 | Borenstein |
6523629 | February 25, 2003 | Buttz et al. |
6529806 | March 4, 2003 | Licht |
6540310 | April 1, 2003 | Cartwright |
6557954 | May 6, 2003 | Hattori |
6563084 | May 13, 2003 | Bandy |
6574958 | June 10, 2003 | MacGregor |
6576406 | June 10, 2003 | Jacobsen et al. |
6595812 | July 22, 2003 | Haney |
6610007 | August 26, 2003 | Tartaglia et al. |
6619146 | September 16, 2003 | Kerrebrock |
6651804 | November 25, 2003 | Thomas |
6652164 | November 25, 2003 | Stiepel et al. |
6668951 | December 30, 2003 | Won |
6708068 | March 16, 2004 | Sakaue |
6715575 | April 6, 2004 | Karpik |
6772673 | August 10, 2004 | Seto |
6773327 | August 10, 2004 | Felice |
6774597 | August 10, 2004 | Borenstein |
6799815 | October 5, 2004 | Krishnan |
6820653 | November 23, 2004 | Schempf et al. |
6831436 | December 14, 2004 | Gonzalez |
6835173 | December 28, 2004 | Couvillon, Jr. |
6837318 | January 4, 2005 | Craig |
6840588 | January 11, 2005 | Deland |
6866671 | March 15, 2005 | Tierney |
6870343 | March 22, 2005 | Borenstein et al. |
6917176 | July 12, 2005 | Schempf et al. |
6923693 | August 2, 2005 | Borgen |
6936003 | August 30, 2005 | Iddan |
6959231 | October 25, 2005 | Maeda |
7020701 | March 28, 2006 | Gelvin et al. |
7040426 | May 9, 2006 | Berg |
7044245 | May 16, 2006 | Anhalt et al. |
7069124 | June 27, 2006 | Whittaker et al. |
7090637 | August 15, 2006 | Danitz |
7137465 | November 21, 2006 | Kerrebrock |
7144057 | December 5, 2006 | Young et al. |
7171279 | January 30, 2007 | Buckingham et al. |
7188473 | March 13, 2007 | Asada |
7188568 | March 13, 2007 | Stout |
7228203 | June 5, 2007 | Koselka et al. |
7235046 | June 26, 2007 | Anhalt et al. |
7331436 | February 19, 2008 | Pack et al. |
7387179 | June 17, 2008 | Anhalt et al. |
7415321 | August 19, 2008 | Okazaki et al. |
7546912 | June 16, 2009 | Pack et al. |
7600592 | October 13, 2009 | Goldenberg et al. |
7645110 | January 12, 2010 | Ogawa et al. |
7654348 | February 2, 2010 | Ohm et al. |
7775312 | August 17, 2010 | Maggio |
7860614 | December 28, 2010 | Reger |
20010037163 | November 1, 2001 | Allard |
20020128714 | September 12, 2002 | Manasas et al. |
20020140392 | October 3, 2002 | Borenstein |
20030000747 | January 2, 2003 | Sugiyama |
20030069474 | April 10, 2003 | Couvillon, Jr. |
20030097080 | May 22, 2003 | Esashi |
20030110938 | June 19, 2003 | Seto |
20030223844 | December 4, 2003 | Schiele |
20040030571 | February 12, 2004 | Solomon |
20040099175 | May 27, 2004 | Perrot et al. |
20040103740 | June 3, 2004 | Townsend |
20040168837 | September 2, 2004 | Michaud |
20040216931 | November 4, 2004 | Won |
20040216932 | November 4, 2004 | Giovanetti |
20050007055 | January 13, 2005 | Borenstein et al. |
20050027412 | February 3, 2005 | Hobson |
20050085693 | April 21, 2005 | Belson et al. |
20050107669 | May 19, 2005 | Couvillon, Jr. |
20050166413 | August 4, 2005 | Crampton |
20050168068 | August 4, 2005 | Courtemanche et al. |
20050168070 | August 4, 2005 | Dandurand |
20050225162 | October 13, 2005 | Gibbins |
20050235898 | October 27, 2005 | Hobson |
20050235899 | October 27, 2005 | Yamamoto |
20050288819 | December 29, 2005 | de Guzman |
20060000137 | January 5, 2006 | Valdivia y Alvarado |
20060005733 | January 12, 2006 | Rastegar et al. |
20060010702 | January 19, 2006 | Roth |
20060070775 | April 6, 2006 | Anhalt |
20060156851 | July 20, 2006 | Jacobsen |
20060225928 | October 12, 2006 | Nelson |
20060229773 | October 12, 2006 | Peretz |
20070029117 | February 8, 2007 | Goldenberg et al. |
20070156286 | July 5, 2007 | Yamauchi |
20070193790 | August 23, 2007 | Goldenberg et al. |
20070260378 | November 8, 2007 | Clodfelter |
20080115687 | May 22, 2008 | Gal et al. |
20080136254 | June 12, 2008 | Jacobsen |
20080164079 | July 10, 2008 | Jacobsen |
20080167752 | July 10, 2008 | Jacobsen |
20080168070 | July 10, 2008 | Naphade |
20080215185 | September 4, 2008 | Jacobsen |
20080217993 | September 11, 2008 | Jacobsen |
20080272647 | November 6, 2008 | Hirose et al. |
20080281231 | November 13, 2008 | Jacobsen et al. |
20080281468 | November 13, 2008 | Jacobsen et al. |
20080284244 | November 20, 2008 | Hirose et al. |
20090025988 | January 29, 2009 | Jacobsen et al. |
20090030562 | January 29, 2009 | Jacobsen et al. |
20090035097 | February 5, 2009 | Loane |
20090171151 | July 2, 2009 | Choset et al. |
20100030377 | February 4, 2010 | Unsworth |
20100174422 | July 8, 2010 | Jacobsen et al. |
20100201185 | August 12, 2010 | Jacobsen et al. |
20100201187 | August 12, 2010 | Jacobsen |
20100317244 | December 16, 2010 | Jacobsen et al. |
20100318242 | December 16, 2010 | Jacobsen et al. |
2512299 | September 2004 | CA |
1603068 | April 2005 | CN |
2774717 | April 2006 | CN |
1970373 | May 2007 | CN |
3025840 | February 1982 | DE |
3626238 | February 1988 | DE |
19617852 | October 1997 | DE |
19714464 | October 1997 | DE |
19704080 | August 1998 | DE |
10018075 | January 2001 | DE |
102004010089 | September 2005 | DE |
0105418 | April 1984 | EP |
0818283 | January 1998 | EP |
0924034 | June 1999 | EP |
1444043 | August 2004 | EP |
1510896 | March 2005 | EP |
1832501 | September 2007 | EP |
1832502 | September 2007 | EP |
2638813 | May 1990 | FR |
2850350 | July 2004 | FR |
1199729 | July 1970 | GB |
52 57625 | May 1977 | JP |
58-89480 | May 1983 | JP |
60015275 | January 1985 | JP |
60047771 | March 1985 | JP |
60060516 | April 1985 | JP |
60139576 | July 1985 | JP |
61001581 | January 1986 | JP |
61089182 | May 1986 | JP |
63306988 | December 1988 | JP |
04092784 | March 1992 | JP |
05147560 | June 1993 | JP |
06-115465 | April 1994 | JP |
03535508 | June 2004 | JP |
2005111595 | April 2005 | JP |
WO 97/26039 | July 1997 | WO |
WO 00/10073 | February 2000 | WO |
WO 02/16995 | February 2002 | WO |
WO 03/30727 | April 2003 | WO |
WO 0337515 | May 2003 | WO |
WO 2005/018428 | March 2005 | WO |
WO 2006068080 | June 2006 | WO |
WO 2008/049050 | April 2008 | WO |
WO 2008/076194 | June 2008 | WO |
WO 2008/135978 | November 2008 | WO |
WO 2009/009673 | January 2009 | WO |
- U.S. Appl. No. 12/171,144; filed Jul. 10, 2008; Stephen C. Jacobsen; office action mailed Jan. 13, 2011.
- U.S. Appl. No. 12/694,996; filed Jan. 27, 2010; Stephen C. Jacobsen; office action mailed Jan. 26, 2011.
- PCT Application PCT/US2010/038339; filed Jun. 11, 2010; Stephen C. Jacobsen; ISR mailed Feb. 9, 2011.
- U.S. Appl. No. 12/694,996, filed Jan. 27, 2010; Stephen C. Jacobsen; Office Action Issue Sep. 30, 2010.
- U.S. Appl. No. 12/151,730, filed May 7, 2008; Stephen C. Jacobsen; Office Action Issued Nov. 15, 2010.
- U.S. Appl. No. 12/171,144, filed Jul. 10, 2008; Stephen C. Jacobsen; Office Action Issued Aug. 11, 2010.
- U.S. Appl. No. 11/985,324, filed Nov. 13, 2007; Stephen C. Jacobsen; Office Action Issued Nov. 1, 2010.
- PCT/US10/38331; filed Jun. 11, 2009; Stephen C. Jacobsen; ISR Issued Dec. 1, 2010.
- U.S. Appl. No. 12/820,881; filed Jun. 22, 2010; Stephen C. Jacobsen; office action issued Nov. 30, 2010.
- Arnold, Henry, “Cricket the robot documentation.” online manual available at http://www.parallaxinc.com, 22 pages.
- Iagnemma, Karl et al., “Traction control of wheeled robotic vehicles in rough terrain with application to planetary rovers.” International Journal of Robotics Research, Oct.-Nov. 2004, pp. 1029-1040, vol. 23, No. 10-11.
- Hirose, et al., “Snakes and strings; new robotic components for rescue operations,” International Journal of Robotics Research, Apr.-May 2004, pp. 341-349, vol. 23, No. 4-5.
- Paap et al., “A robot snake to inspect broken buildings,” IEEE, 2000, pp. 2079-2082, Japan.
- Braure, Jerome, “Participation to the construction of a salamander robot: exploration of the morphological configuration and the locomotion controller”, Biologically Inspired Robotics Group, master thesis, 02/17/04, pp. 1-46.
- Jacobsen, et al., Advanced intelligent mechanical sensors (AIMS), Proc. IEEE Trandsucers 1991, Jun. 24-27, abstract only, San Fransico, CA.
- Jacobsen, et al., “Research robots for applications in artificial intelligence, teleoperation and entertainment”, International Journal of Robotics Research, 2004, pp. 319-330, vol. 23.
- Jacobsen, et al., “Multiregime MEMS sensor netwoorks for smart structures,” Procs. SPIE 6th Annual Inter. Conf. on Smart Structues and Materials, Mar. 1-5, 1999, pp. 19-32, vol. 3673, Newport Beach CA.
- MaClean et al., “A digital MEMS-based strain gage for structural health monitoring,” Procs, 1997 MRS Fall Meeting Symposium, Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 1997, pp. 309-320, Boston Massachusetts.
- Berlin et al., “MEMS-based control of structural dynamic instability”, Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, Jul. 1998 pp. 574-586, vol. 9.
- Goldfarb, “Design and energetic characterization of a liquid-propellant-powered actuator for self-powered robots,” IEEE Transactions On Mechatronics, Jun. 2003, vol. 8 No. 2.
- Dowling, “Limbless Locomotion: Learning to crawl with a snake robot,” The Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, Dec. 1997, pp. 1-150.
- Matthew Heverly & Jaret Matthews: “A wheel-on-limb rover for lunar operation” Internet article, Nov. 5, 2008, pp. 1-8, http://robotics.estec.esa.int/i-SAIRAS/isairas2008/Proceedings/SESSION%2026/m116-Heverly.pdf.
- NASA: “Nasa's newest concept vehicles take off-roading out of this world” Internet article, Nov. 5, 2008, http://www.nasa.gov/mission—pages/constellation/main/lunar—truck.html.
- Revue Internationale De defense, “3-D vision and urchin” Oct. 1, 1988, p. 1292, vol. 21, No. 10, Geneve CH.
- Advertisement, International Defense review, Jane's information group, Nov. 1, 1990, p. 54, vol. 23, No. 11, Great Britain.
- Ren Luo “Development of a multibehavior-based mobile robot for remote supervisory control through the internet” IEEE/ ASME Transactions on mechatronics, IEEE Service Center, Piscataway NY, Dec. 1, 2000, vol. 5, No. 4.
- Nilas Sueset et al., “A PDA-based high level human-robot interaction” Robotics, Automation and Mechatronics, IEEE Conference Singapore, Dec. 1-3, 2004, vol. 2, pp. 1158-1163.
- U.S. Appl. No. 12/765,618; filed Apr. 22, 2010; Stephen C. Jacobsen; office action issued Apr. 06, 2011.
- U.S. Appl. No. 11/985,320; filed Nov. 13, 2007; Stephen C. Jacobsen; office action issued Apr. 12, 2011.
- U.S. Appl. No. 11/985,324; filed Nov. 13, 2007; Stephen C. Jacobsen; notice of allowance issued Apr. 18, 2011.
- U.S. Appl. No. 12/151,730; filed May 07, 2008; Stephen C. Jacobsen; notice of allowance issued Apr. 15, 2011.
- U.S. Appl. No. 11/985,336; filed Nov. 13, 2007; Stephen C. Jacobsen; office action issued Jun. 14, 2011.
- U.S. Appl. No. 11/985,320; filed Nov. 13, 2007; Stephen C. Jacobsen; office action issued Aug. 17, 2011.
Type: Grant
Filed: Jun 22, 2010
Date of Patent: Oct 25, 2011
Patent Publication Number: 20100258365
Assignee: Raytheon Company (Waltham, MA)
Inventor: Stephen C. Jacobsen (Salt Lake City, UT)
Primary Examiner: Anne Marie Boehler
Assistant Examiner: Michael Stabley
Attorney: Thorpe North & Western LLP
Application Number: 12/820,881
International Classification: B62D 55/265 (20060101);